As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, it is the perfect time to spring clean your beauty cabinet and to tackle the cluttered mess that may have accumulated in your beauty shelves over the past few months.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Take Everything Out
The first step in spring cleaning your beauty cabinet is to take everything out. This will allow you to see what you have and assess what needs to go.
By removing everything from your beauty cabinet, you’ll be able to take a thorough inventory of your products, identify duplicates or triplicates, and discard items that have expired or that you simply don’t use anymore.
This will make it easier to organize the remaining products, and streamline your daily routine.
Step 2: Sort
When it comes to spring cleaning your beauty cabinet, sorting through your products and discarding any expired items is crucial. It’s important to read labels carefully and take note of the expiration dates, as expired products can cause irritation, infections, or other negative reactions.
If you’re not sure about a product’s expiration date, a good rule of thumb is to consider its shelf life. Unopened products generally have a shelf life of around two years, while opened products typically last around one year.
In addition to getting rid of expired products, it’s also a good idea to discard anything you haven’t used in the past 18 months. This can include items that you tried once but didn’t work for you, or that you simply forgot you had. Chances are, if you haven’t used a product in the past year and a half, you probably won’t use it again.
To make things easier, here’s a breakdown of some common beauty items and their shelf life:
- Lipsticks: 6 months – 1 year
- Cream, Liquid or Stick Foundations: 6 months – 1 year
- Mascara: 4 – 6 months
- Liquid Eyeliners: 4 – 6 months
- Powder-Based Products: 2 – 3 years
- Cleansers: 1 year
- Toners: 6 months – 1 year
- BHA or AHA Exfoliants: 1 year
- Moisturizers: 6 months – 1 year
- Serums: 1 year
Step 3: Discard
Did you know that the average woman uses up to 12 different beauty products per day? In fact, it’s estimated that the average woman uses a total of 168 different chemicals on her body each day according to the Environmental Working Group.
While many of these ingredients are harmless, there are some that can be harmful to your skin and health. Some of the most common toxic ingredients found in beauty products include parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and formaldehyde. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems and banned in many countries.
Luckily, spring cleaning your beauty cabinet is the perfect opportunity to get rid of any products that contain these harmful ingredients. By taking the time to read labels and research ingredients, you can make informed choices about the products you use on your body.
To learn more about toxic ingredients in beauty products, check out our article on the subject. With a little knowledge and a commitment to using safe and healthy products, you can take control of your beauty routine and feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.
Step 4: Consider Skinimalism
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of skincare products available on the market? It’s no secret that the beauty industry is constantly bombarding us with new products and marketing campaigns, promising perfect skin and a flawless complexion. But with so many options to choose from, it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of serums, lotions, and potions.
Enter skinimalism, the new minimalist approach to skincare. With skinimalism, the focus is on simplicity and efficiency, using just a few multi-functional products that are formulated with ingredients that enhance each other. The result? A streamlined routine that’s easy to follow and delivers real results.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of simplifying your beauty routine, read our article on Skinimalism: The New Approach to Minimalist Skincare. Here, you’ll learn all about the benefits of this minimalist approach, as well as tips and tricks for creating a simple yet efficient skincare routine that works for you.
Step 5: Clean Your Cupboard and Shelves
Now that you’ve taken the time to sort through your beauty products and have discarded what you no longer need, it’s important to give your beauty cabinet and shelves a good cleaning.
To start, remove any remaining items from your beauty cabinet or shelves, and wipe them down with a damp cloth. This will remove any dust or residue that may have accumulated over time. Be sure to wipe down the inside and outside of your cabinets and shelves, as well as any storage containers that you use to organize your products.
And don’t forget to clean your mirrors. A clean mirror is essential for getting ready in the morning, so take a few minutes to wipe down your mirror with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
Step 6: Deep Clean Your Beauty Tools
Over time, these tools can accumulate bacteria, oil, and product buildup that can lead to breakouts and other skin issues. That’s why it’s crucial to deep clean them regularly.
Start by gathering all of your tools and giving them a thorough inspection. Discard any that are damaged, frayed, or have seen better days. For the tools that you’re keeping, use a gentle cleanser and warm water to clean them thoroughly. For brushes and sponges, you can use a specialized cleanser or a gentle shampoo to remove buildup and grime. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry before using them again.
When it comes to your hair tools, like your hair straightener or curling iron, you can use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the tool and a cotton swab to clean the plates or barrels. For a deeper clean, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove stubborn buildup.
Step 7: Switch Winter Products for Summer Products
As the seasons change, so do the needs of your skin. With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s essential to update your skincare routine accordingly. As the winter air can be harsh and drying, you may have been using heavier moisturizers, oils, and creams to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the cold.
Now, as we enter the spring and summer months, it’s time to switch things up and opt for lighter formulations that won’t clog your pores or leave you feeling greasy. Swap out those heavy winter creams for lightweight lotions and serums that offer hydration without feeling too heavy on your skin.
Additionally, it’s crucial to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it to your face and body before going outside. Consider opting for a sunscreen that is also water-resistant, especially if you plan on spending time in the pool or ocean.
Antioxidants are also vital during the summer months, as they can help protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and free radicals. Look for products that contain vitamins C and E, which are powerful antioxidants that can help brighten your skin, even out your skin tone, and protect your skin from sun damage.
